Butler, Benjamin Clapp

Benjamin Clapp Butler (April 20, 1820 - November 16, 1882) was an American surveyor, lawyer, newspaper editor, entrepreneur, politician, and army veteran. Born in Oxford, New York, to James Clapp and Julia Hyde Butler Clapp, Butler's mother died when he was twelve years old. He was sent to live with his maternal grandparents, who adopted him and changed his name to Benjamin Clapp Butler. After attending Oxford Academy, he studied law in Saratoga, New York, and became a lawyer. He owned and edited the Saratoga Sentinel for several years. He moved to Luzerne, New York, in 1845. At the beginning of the American Civil war, Butler volunteered and helped organize the 93rd New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He recruited and enlisted over half of the men in the regiment. He received the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on February 5, 1862, and fought in the battles of Spotsylvania, North Anna River, Chickahominy, and the battles during the Siege of Petersburg. He was wounded in the hand at the Battle of Poplar Grove Church and was mustered out in February 1865. After the war, Butler returned to Luzerne, New York, where he remained for the rest of his life. He became a fixture in the community, helping raise the funds to build the St. Mary's Episcopal Church and building the Wayside Inn to help entice tourists to the region. He was also instrumental in getting the Delaware and Hudson Railroad to run through Hadley, New York. Butler also served as Supervisor of the Town of Luzerne from 1875 - 1876.